Being a leader is important in the entertainment industry. It’s just one more thing that helps you stand out from the crowd of other actors with whom you’re competing. Of course, you will be judged on your talent first. However, personality does come into play.

When I hold open calls for actors and models, I can spot the leaders quickly. They’re the ones who start conversations with others before the casting begins.

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Expressing yourself can be an important asset when chasing your dreams. The more passion you have toward things that are important to you, the more you will stand out. There are a lot of people who express themselves through art, music, writing, and other creative outlets. The best part is you don’t have to be doing it professionally to get noticed….(think Jamie Foxx in the true story The Soloist…)Everyday people express themselves out on the streets and we all share a passion for some form of self-expression.

I did a casting once for street performers for a TRL segment on MTV. I walked the streets and subways of New York City looking for people with unique talents and inviting them to perform on MTV. I ended up casting a break dancing duo, an electric violinist, and a folk singer for the segment! Read the rest of this entry »

Casting directors agree, the more open you are about your individual talents, the better your chances of getting cast! Details matter…so be honest with yourself and with casting directors.  The next time you update your profile, send an email to a casting director, or agency, be sure to include your special skills. What classifies as ”special skills,” you might ask? Anything from singing, to dancing, to being ambidextrous! The more skills the better!

Leave a comment on this blog telling us about your special skills. Ask yourself–what makes you unique? Do you dress a certain way, talk a certain way, move a certain way…you get the point! Share with us today!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

This week we’re sharing different ways to express yourself. The number one thing you always have going for you is YOU: No one is like you and you embody a unique set of skills that no one can replace. Use this to your advantage during the casting process.

If you know how to tap dance, put that on your resume & profile. If you can speak Spanish… let casting directors know! If you choreograph your own dance routines or write your own music… dazzle us with your talent! Any skill will give you an edge.

These are the specific details casting directors are looking for that will differentiate you from the competition… so go ahead with your bad self and never be afraid to be YOU! Update your profile, photos, and videos, and always stay true to what makes you YOU!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

We’ve been talking about Ashton Kutcher’s new CW drama The Beautiful Life a lot recently…we had tons of casting calls for the show last month! Well, tonight is the series premiere on the CW Network at 9PM EST!

The show stars Mischa Barton and is bound to be a hit. Stay tuned and let’s talk tomorrow and hear what the critics (and you guys!) have to say. Will we see any of you InstantCasters on the TV screen this season?

Click here to apply to TV casting calls now!

Click here to learn more about The Beautiful Life!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Attention InstantCasters: This week InstantCast is all about vampires… and where would the vampire trend be without its diehard fans? So Twilight fans: Win a FREE 2 disc special edition Twilight DVD this week!

Enter in our Fantasy Casting contest: Who Has What it Takes to Be a Vampire in the “Twilight” Sequels? The winner will get a Twilight 2-Disc Special Edition DVD! Don’t delay: click here now to win a Twilight DVD!

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

Did you miss the premiere of The CW’s new drama The Vampire Diaries? Maybe you’re not sure how it’ll measure up to favorites like Twilight or True Blood. Well we’ve got a look at what the critics think:

GREAT: The New York Post’s Linda Stasi gives The Vampire Diaries 4 stars, citing the bloody action scenes. “These killers are more fun than a cemetery full of psycho zombie killers on Halloween.”

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We’re right in the middle of Vampire Week and the competition is strong… We’ve already told you how you can win a Twilight poster, Twilight lip gloss, and a New Moon calendar… but now you can take the stars of the Twilight saga with you wherever you go!

Get this Twilight tote bag for FREE by entering this Fantasy Casting contest: Who Should Win Tickets to the MTV VMAs to Preview Scenes from New Moon?

Click here for a preview of the full-size totebag… Read the rest of this entry »

Time for another Twilight giveaway for Vampire Week! Sure, Twilight is the reigning champ of vampire drama, but HBO’s show True Blood has an intense following too. So enter our Fantasy Casting contest: Who Will Co-Star with Anna Paquin on “True Blood”?

The winner will receive an official 2010 New Moon calendar! Use it to keep track of your acting goals & your auditions. Win your New Moon calendar here!

With the new cosmetics line Twilight Beauty, it’s easy to rock the vamp look this fall. We’ll make it even easier… Win a free vial of Twilight Venom when you win this contest: Who Will Get Cast this Fall on the CW’s New Show “Vampire Diaries”?

Twilight Venom gives your lips a sexy blood-red tint while plumping up your pout. Get it for FREE by entering in our Fantasy Casting contest now!

See what the full vial of Twilight Venom looks like… Read the rest of this entry »

Every day this week, we’ll announce a new Twilight prize for the winners of our vampire-themed Fantasy Casting contests! The more contests you enter, the more chances you have to win a Twilight prize!

Our first giveaway is this hot “Edward and Bella” poster. To win, enter our Fantasy Casting contest Who Will Play Robert Pattinson’s Vampire Enemy in the Next “Twilight” Movie? and get this hot poster for free!

Check out a preview of the full-size poster here: Read the rest of this entry »